Khalilou Fadiga invites Papa Bouba Diop’s family to France v Senegal | OneFootball

Khalilou Fadiga, who is close to FIFA officials, has secured invitations for Papa Bouba Diop’s wife and children to attend France v Senegal, 24 years after Senegal’s 1-0 victory in 2002.

According to L'Équipe, Marie Aude Diop and her children, Aaron Seyni Sedi and Ava, have been invited to the Lions of Teranga’s 2026 World Cup opener on Tuesday at 21:00.

Diop was the match-winner in the 2002 tournament’s opening game between Senegal and France, and died on 29 November 2020, aged 42, from Charcot’s disease.

Fadiga, one of Senegal’s 2002 heroes, is now an adviser to federation president Abdoulaye Faye and is with the squad in the United States.

Diop, the former RC Lens midfielder, won 63 caps and scored 11 goals for Senegal. Fadiga’s gesture, intended to ensure his team-mate is not forgotten, has been warmly received back home.

Source: L'Équipe